Inter Milan moved to within a point of AC Milan at the top of the Serie A table thanks to a 2-0 win over Hellas Verona.
Defending champions Inter Milan won their second game on the trot to breathe life into their Serie A title defence.
First half goals from Nicolo Barella and Edin Dzeko helped the Nerazzurri win 2-0 on the night and move within a point of league leaders AC Milan. The Rossoneri play on Sunday and could restore their four-point lead, having played a game more. Ivan Perisic was the architect in chief as the Croat supplied the assists for both goals.
It was a welcome return to form for a player who has looked jaded of late. With just a handful of games to go before the season ends, this upturn in form could not have come at a better time. With a sizable lead to protect, Simone Inzaghi’s side controlled the game in the second half. They kept things simple and saw out what was, in truth, a comfortable win.
Inter do not have their Serie A title chances in their own hands, but by doing their part, they are ensuring that they are well placed to take advantage should Milan slip up. The Hard Tackle looks at how the Inter players fared on the night.
Samir Handanovic: 6/10
The veteran was solid at the back and marshalled his defence well. He was particularly alert to snuff out a Giovanni Simeone chance after the Hellas Verona star rounded Marcelo Brozovic with a one-two. Handanovic also passed the ball well and kept things simple.
? | SMILES
?Who's smiling like the skipper right now? ☺ #InterVerona #FORZAINTER ⚫? pic.twitter.com/AuuX11nKeU
— Inter ??? (@Inter_en) April 9, 2022
Milan Skriniar: 7/10
The Slovakian defender was nigh on invincible at the back and was always at the right place at the right time. He read the danger before it occurred, and his positioning was top notch.
Stefan De Vrij: 6/10
The veteran Dutchman returned to action after a spell on the sidelines. He could not have asked for a better game to return as Hellas Verona barely threatened. He did not last 90 minutes and was taken off as a precaution.
Federico Dimarco: 7/10
The Italian replaced Alessandro Bastoni in the lineup and gave a proper account of his abilities. He appears to have found a semblance of form and this could prove decisive in the business end of the season.
Denzel Dumfries: 6/10
The Dutchman was always available for a foray forwards and used his pace to stretch the Verona defence. However, he lacked decisiveness and failed to make the most of his efforts. Dumfries was also stable at the back and did not let much get past him.
Nicolo Barella: 7/10
The Italian international has made it a habit to trouble Hellas Verona, and more of it was on show on the night. He opened the scoring with a well-taken goal and was a constant thorn in the visitors’ side all night. He too appears to be hitting a vein of form at the right time.
Marcelo Brozovic: 7/10
The Croat is another Inter player who appears to have rediscovered his step after an injury layoff. He was always available to clean up after his teammates and read the game well to snuff out any opposition attacks prematurely. A commanding performance from Inter’s anchorman in the midfield.
? | BROZO
⚽ Is there a ball @brozocrypto can't get to? ??#InterVerona #FORZAINTER ⚫️? pic.twitter.com/e3ZG9VGlVg
— Inter ??? (@Inter_en) April 9, 2022
Hakan Calhanoglu: 6/10
Scoring the winner against Juventus has certainly raised his morale, and Calhanoglu looked alert and willing to fight against Verona. He ran a lot and also threatened with his set-pieces and build-up play.
Ivan Perisic: 8/10
The man of the match for Inter, Perisic was a constant menace down the left and caused Verona numerous problems. Perisic had been rather subdued in recent weeks and there is no better time than now to return to form. He created numerous chances and even grabbed himself both assists on the night. But he faded when moved up front to play as the second striker.
2 – Ivan Perisic has delivered two assists in a single Serie A match for his first time since the derby won against AC Milan in February 2021. Inspired.#InterVerona pic.twitter.com/bCwZsSW2nS
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) April 9, 2022
Edin Dzeko: 6/10
Well taken goal. Dzeko always tries to get himself involved in the build-up play and looked a lot more comfortable and in tune with Correa. A much-improved performance by the veteran striker who finally found the back of the net. He linked up well with his teammates and appears to have built up a good rapport with Joaquin Correa. Dzeko even took his goal well and was immaculate as a target man on the night.
Joaquin Correa: 6/10
It was Correa’s finest performance in a while but unfortunately, he does not have a goal or an assist to show for it. He linked up well with Perisic and Dzeko to make life difficult for the Verona defenders. Given Lautaro Martinez’s poor run of form, Inzaghi will be glad to see his former Lazio star step up his game.
SUBSTITUTES
Danilo D’Ambrosio: 6/10
He replaced de Vrij at half-time and continued the Dutchman’s fine work in defence. D’Ambrosio was rarely troubled by a poor Verona attack and dealt with whatever was thrown at him with ease. He can also consider himself unlucky to not have scored after being denied by a fine save.
Robin Gosens: 6/10
The former Atalanta man is still gaining his bearings as an Inter player. He made full use of the 30-minute runout to acclimatise to the team’s style.
Arturo Vidal: 5/10
The Chilean showed precious little of his ability and was largely cumbersome on the field. Age finally appears to be catching up with him.
Alessandro Bastoni: 6/10
The Italian was far from his best and in all honesty, he did not need to. He made a couple of errors on the night but thankfully, Verona failed to punish either of them.
Roberto Gagliardini: N/A
He was brought on to add some physicality to the Inter midfield late on in the game. He used his athleticism well and helped close down gaps and also push Verona further back.
